Saturday, June 08, 2013

The Central Everglades Planning Project could restore critical freshwater flows into the heart of the 'Glades...if the plan doesn't get derailed by bureaucratic delays.

YOU, yes you, are being asked to attend the South Florida Water Management District Governing Board meeting and let them know that you support restoration of America's Everglades and the CEPP plan, and want to see action taken this month.

Florida's water supply, environment, and economy are at risk. Floridians must fight to ensure the next phase of Everglades restoration begins there's no time to waste.

The Central Everglades Planning Project (CEPP) is hailed by scientists and advocates who see reconnecting the heart of America's Everglades as critical. The benefits of CEPP include: delivering 67 billion gallons of freshwater to Everglades National Park & Florida Bay annually; decreasing harmful discharges to the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie estuaries from Lake Okeechobee; and improving wildlife habitat, bass fisheries and recreational fishing opportunities.

In order for CEPP to move forward, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) must commit to act as the local and release the draft Project Implementation Report (PIR) for public review this month. Missing this window could raise costs and delay significant benefits for nearly a decade.

I DID NOT WRITE THE ABOVE. IF I HAD IT WOULDN'T BE DRY AS TOAST: I AM WRITING THIS PART:

In other words, just show up at the damn meeting and say: "Do CEPP already and hurry up about it". Not so hard, is it? Eight words for the Everglades. Think of this meeting like you would think of a funeral. You go, you don't want to, you really don't know what to say, but gee you are obligated to pay your respects.

Do it out of respect for the Everglades and make believe the Governing Board is the widow and the immediate family. Just mumble something (like my 8 words) bow your head, shuffle out and buy me breakfast. I want a bacon and egg sandwich.

The Governing Board usually meets in West Palm Beach, which is a hike, so be glad this is so close to us. Go! We will party after.

Quote hall of fame - worth another look:

Complete this sentence: South Florida really needs a..."Regional plan for controlled growth (before it becomes a concrete jungle similar to Houston), and a completely new set of elected officials that make decisions based on what's good for the future of South Florida instead of what's good for their wallets.